The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Wheel Specs for 2 ton trucks, series 6000, COEs

What is the original width of the wheels on the late 40's early 50's COE trucks? What size is the hub opening? Offset? Correct lug bolt hole size? Are there "official" specs somewhere
What years and which trucks used the same wheel?


IS there interest in a group purchase of wheels with the 10 on 7.25" bolt pattern, in a 22.5" wheel? (Steel)

I would think it would be less expensive to have several sets of wheels made rather than ONE set.

Just exploring the possibility with a vendor at this time.
Marty

Marty,
Your request should include standard 2 ton trucks, series 6000, as well as COEs, series 5000, as these are the same. From my 1951 Salesman data book I found these specs'
For 8.25-20 tires rim size is 20x6.5, rim offset 5 3/8"
Lug bolts 5/8"-18 on a 7 1/4" circle.

I cannot find any mention of the diameter of the hub hole in the wheel, very important since these are hub-piloted wheels. You should measure the wheels you removed from your project.

To those that might not understand why Marty would want to go to all this trouble let me relate one bit of my experience. When I take my COE to a show, the most frequent topic discussed with strangers is the issue of having modern steel wheels, 22.5" mounting 9R22.5 tires on the original axles. See the link to my truck in my signature line. The advantages are improved handling of radial tires, no split rim to deal with, no need to change axles, tire is same diameter of original 8.25-20 tire so speedometer, gear ratios are maintained. Some object to appearance of the fabricated wheel compared to the original.

Kent

Thanks for the suggestion and the info Kent!
This topic comes up over and over. I'm not saying I will be successful at finding a vendor to work with but I am going to try, IF there is interest....
Marty

Should the wheels be hub OR stud piloted? Should they stay hub piloted? I would think more beneficial to move to stud piloted?

I would assume you would have to re-engineer the axles if you went to stud piloted. That would be above my pay grade to consider that. Of course, if you changed axles and selected an axle designed for stud piloted wheels then you could go that direction.
Kent

I would vote for hub piloted wheels. Most all trucks of the size and vintage we are dealing with are hub piloted, easy to make a sp@cer ring.

Ed

Makes sense Ed. Thanks
I just need to find the actual hub diameter. I can measure it on one of my wheels, but it would be good to find an official published diameter....if one exists.
Marty

There used to be a place in Seattle that would take your original tube type wheels, and use the center and weld them into new tubeless rims. I had some 18" widowmakers done back in the late 80s, they used my centers, and welded them into 19.5 rims. That might be an option, taking a set if 20" wheels, using the centers, and welding them into 22.5 rims. I am assuming the liability for a shop, using old parts, is going to be an issue though.

I found a place that makes rims only for mud bloggers, etc, made my own centers, had a weld shop finish the job. Slow job, had to use mill, couldn’t find a big enough lathe.

Ed